The Department of Justice says it respects today’s court judgment regarding Ma Sik-chun’s arrest warrant.
He fled Hong Kong in 1978 while facing drug trafficking charges.
In response to media enquiries, the department said it informed Ma’s lawyers in 2005 there was insufficient evidence available to the prosecution at that time to justify placing Ma on trial.
The conclusion was reached after detailed and careful analysis of the available evidence and witnesses.
Regarding the application for discharge of the warrant, the department said it has reconsidered the case against Ma and sought independent legal advice from outside leading counsel, who agreed with the department’s 2005 assessment.
Speaking to reporters today, Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen said the department considered the case only by reference to the Prosecution Code, the available evidence and the applicable law.
